The Ouse Amateur Sailing Club is Runner up for CAMRA Club Of The Year 2001

We are pleased to announce that a club in West Norfolk is one of Britain’s top clubs for real ale. The Ouse Amateur Sailing Club (often known as the Ouse Booze) has won its second award in 4 years in CAMRA’s National Club of the Year Competition, which is awarded for beer quality and consistency. It has been voted Regional Winner for East Anglia and went on to receive one of 3 runners up awards in the National Competition. CAMRA’s East Anglia Regional Director, Paul Ainsworth, is seen here presenting the award to Ron Bone, the Club Secretary, on behalf of the club.

The Ouse Amateur Sailing Club has been known for some years as one of West Norfolk CAMRA branch’s favourite watering holes and it has been a Good Beer Guide entry since 1998. For those not in the know, the Club generally offers Bateman’s XB and XXXB, 5 guest beers (typically a standard bitter, a premium bitter, a dark beer, a strong beer and one other) and a real cider (medium/dry, varying brands).

Established in 1881 the Club first held meetings at the Globe Hotel but soon moved to the Ferry House Inn on the riverside, a public house then recently acquired by Steward and Patterson (a local brewery). The brewery eventually sold the Inn to the incumbent landlord in the 1920’s who sold it to the club when he retired in the 1930’s.

The sailing side of the club now mostly takes place at the new Club House at Saddlebow on the Flood Relief Channel but there are still river races and regattas wind and tide permitting. The former boat shed at the rear of the club was recently turned into a function room.

Ron Bone, who has a background working as a cellar boy in the Grosvenor, an old Lynn town centre hotel and coaching inn, took over the control of the beer ordering and cellar work in 1980’s . His hard work ensures that the beer is at its best when it is served, sometimes leading to beers not being sold during the designated season. For example, it is not unusual to see a Christmas beer at Easter.

The range and variety of beers has increased over the years and around 1985 the hand pumps became redundant due to the use of a temperature controlled (12°c) cellar immediately behind the bar servery. This means beer can be served straight from the cask and eliminates the added complication of the beer line and pump which require to be kept clean and in order. The cider was added to the range as the result of a member requesting that a real cider be included in the procession of guest beers. It has been a regular since.

All this can only be achieved with the co-operation of the committee, members (many of whom drink real ale or cider) and the staff; Bar Manager Sue Knights being well supported by regular and part time staff.

The club house is very much like pubs would be like if brewers/pub groups had not interfered, a place to go where people from all walks of life and age groups can go for convivial conversation with the benefit of some of the best beers from the East of England and beyond.

Being a club conditions of entry do apply, but as stated in the CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide and Good Cider Guide, carriers of these guides and CAMRA Members will generally have no problem getting in to find out why it is so popular amongst discerning drinkers.